Community News for Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2017

Wednesday

Aug 16, 2017 at 10:48 AMAug 16, 2017 at 10:48 AM

REGION

Send us your

9/11 events

The Observer-Dispatch is compiling a list of all ceremonies and events to commemorate the 16th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. Please email your event to community@uticaod.com. The deadline for submissions is Friday, Sept. 1.

Racing drone donated to STEM group

SwellPro, manufacturer of the water-proof Mariner drone and Splash Pro drone, recently donated a Swift 2 Racing Drone and transmitter to CNY Drones. The approximately $500 kit features a First Person View (FPV) racing class drone. The drone and transmitter will be on display at upcoming events including Wings & Wheels on Aug. 19, at the Masonic Care Community, and at the New York State Fair’s STEAM Exhibit, Aug. 26-27.

CNY Drones is a volunteer group with a mission to promote STEM education with the use of low-cost drones and access to local technologists.

For information, visit cnydrones.org or email: CNYDrones@gmail.com.

Volunteers needed

for iCan Bike camp

Join the Kelberman Center during the week of August 21-25 at the New Hartford Recreation Center as a part of the iCan Bike Program. There are 30 to 40 riders participating in this first iCan Bike camp and the center needs to secure two volunteer spotters per rider.

Volunteers can be as young as 16 years old. Volunteers can attend the same 1 ½ hour session each day for five days and see their rider progress throughout the week, but the center can accept volunteers for just one or two days. Volunteers are needed for the following session times.

Session 1: 8:30 to 9:45 a.m.

Session 2: 10:05 to 11:20 a.m.

Session 3: 11:40 a.m. to 12:55 p.m.

Session 4: 2 to 3:15 p.m.

Session 5: 3:35 to 4:50 p.m.

Volunteers will provide physical, emotional and motivational support to their assigned rider and will do some light jogging. iCan Shine is a nonprofit organization that teaches individuals with disabilities to ride a conventional two-wheel bicycle through the iCan Bike program.

To register a rider or volunteer, download registration forms online at icanshine.org/ican-bike-utica-ny/. For information, call 315-797-6241 or email info@kelbermancenter.org.

WHITESBORO

Join the library’s Walking Club

Walkers of all abilities are invited to meet at the Dunham Public Library at 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays and at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays for a 30-minute walk beginning and ending at the library.

Walking with a group can keep you motivated and help you meet new people.

This program began Tuesday, Aug. 15. Meet at the picnic table in front of the library. Participants will be asked to sign a waiver of liability.

The library is at 76 Main St.

To join and for information, call 315-736-9734 or email rmanley@midyork.org.

ROME

Baby Care Basics helps parents prepare

Parents-to-be can learn about childbirth, newborns and other related topics by attending the upcoming “Baby Care Basics” program from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16, at Rome Memorial Hospital in the classroom, 1500 N. James St.

There will be signs to direct you to the classroom.

The free educational program will be taught by Sandy Graichen, R.N., a maternity nurse at the hospital.

For information, call 315-338-7143.

Programs, activities

at Dorfman Center

The Ava Dorfman Center, at 305 E. Locust St., is offering several programs and activities this month. They are as follows:

* A Lunch and Learn program on “Metal Detecting for Treasures” with Larry Ehlinger will take place at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17. The cost $5 for center members and $6 for nonmembers.

* Hiking in the Adirondacks with guide Gary Lee will take place Friday, Aug. 18. Meet at 9:15 a.m. at the Inlet Town Hall to enjoy a hike through Ferd’s Bog off Uncas Road, to Moss Lake. The fee is $20 for members with transportation and $30 for nonmembers; and $50 for members needing transportation and $60 for nonmembers. More hikes are planned.

Reservations with prepayment is required for all programs and activities. To make a reservation, call 315-337-8320.

OLD FORGE

Writers Open Mic Night at library

Writers, aspiring writers and members of the public are invited to share and read from their own work or to come and enjoy readings by others today at the Old Forge Library, 220 Crosby Blvd.

Readings begin at 7:30 p.m.

Featured reader and emcee will be writer and published author Paula Alida Roy. Her poetry has been published by such literary magazines as Blueline, Moon Journal, Waterways and others. She has served as director of the library’s summer writing workshop and has created and led a series of film discussions at the library.

If you plan on participating, call 315-369-6008.

MADISON

Mlasgar benefit

set for Aug. 19

A benefit for Waterville native Cindy Wrobel Mlasgar will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at Hotel Solsville, 7243 Valley Road.

The event will feature music, food, raffles and door prizes.

Mlasgar, wife of longtime village of Hamilton police officer Gary Mlasgar, is diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. After numerous unsuccessful surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation treatments, she travels to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Chicago every three weeks for treatment. Funds will help defray medical and travel expenses.

Tickets are $15 per person.

Donations may also be made online at www.GoFundMe.com/ke5kedf4.

UTICA

Notre Dame, UCA Class of 1977 reunion

The Class of 1977 from Notre Dame and UCA are celebrating their 40th Class Reunion from Friday, Oct. 6 through Sunday, Oct. 8. Staff and teachers from both schools from 1973-1977 are welcome to attend. There will be a meet and greet from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, at Cavallo's Cork Room. The main event will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Elks Lodge, 1315 Champlin Ave., Utica featuring a buffet, cash bar and music. A brunch will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8, at the Holiday Inn on Burrstone Road. To make a reservation, email Vincent Mazzei at LifelongEMT@Gmail.com by Sept. 1, or call 315-272-7118. For details, visit Facebook/Notre Dame Class of 1977 Reunion.

RCIL offers mental health aid training

The Resource Center for Independent Living is offering Mental Health First Aid classes from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 21-22, at 1607 Genesee St.

Participants must attend both sessions to receive the training certification, which is good for three years.

Mental Health First Aid prepares participants to interact with a person who may be experiencing a mental health crisis.

Participants will learn a five-step action plan to help loved ones, colleagues, customers, neighbors and others cope with mental health or substance use problems. They will learn about the common risk factors and warning signs of mental illnesses and substance abuse, build an understanding of their impact, and receive an overview of common supports that are available in the area.

The cost is $100 per person.

For information and to register, email dguckemus@rcil.com or call 315-797-4642, ext. 1655.

NEW HARTFORD

Breast cancer fight kickoff set for Aug. 16

The American Cancer Society will host a Making Strides Against Breast Cancer kickoff rally and informational expo from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16, at the Holiday Inn at the Utica Business Park on Burrstone Road, to share details about its upcoming community walk.

The kickoff will highlight how individuals, businesses, and organizations can support the American Cancer Society’s work to help save lives from breast cancer and feature inspirational stories from breast cancer survivors.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is a noncompetitive, inspirational event that raises awareness and funds to end breast cancer. Last year, more than 3,500 local walkers helped to raise more than $200,000. This kickoff will provide community members the opportunity to learn how to get involved in the Utica walk slated for 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 15, at the Masonic Care Community campus.

Funds raised through Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks enable the American Cancer Society to invest in groundbreaking research; provide free, comprehensive information and support to those touched by breast cancer; and help people take steps to reduce their breast cancer risk or find it early when it’s most treatable.